Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth (3 John 1:2, KJV).

ABSTRACT

Faith, obedience, and healing form the foundation of a life lived in harmony with God’s plan. By embracing these principles, we grow spiritually, reflect God’s love, and fulfill our responsibilities to Him and others. This article explores how these concepts, drawn from Scripture and Ellen G. White’s writings, guide us in daily living.

REPENTANCE REIGNS SUPREME!

Psalm 66:18 warns, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” This emphasizes the need for repentance to maintain a connection with God. Sr. White writes, “We are undeserving of [the Lord’s] mercy, but as we give ourselves to Him, He receives us” (Steps to Christ, p. 227). Repentance is not mere acknowledgment but wholehearted surrender to God. Without it, spiritual growth stalls. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19, KJV). If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9, KJV). True repentance will lead a man to bear his guilt himself and acknowledge it without deception or hypocrisy (Steps to Christ, p. 40, 1892). It is only through Christ that we can be brought into harmony with God, with holiness; but how are we to come to Christ? Many are asking the same question as did the multitude on the Day of Pentecost, when, convicted of sin, they cried out, “What shall we do?” The first word of Peter’s answer was, “Repent.” Acts 2:37, 38. At another time, shortly after, he said, “Repent, … and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19 (Steps to Christ, p. 26, 1892). Sincere commitment allows God to work in us and through us, demonstrating the transformative power of faith. How do faith and works harmonize to deepen this transformation?

FAITH FUSES WITH WORKS!

James 2:17 declares, “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Faith without action is incomplete. Sr. White expands on this: “Faith and works go hand in hand; they act harmoniously in the work of overcoming” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 487). When we align our actions with our beliefs, we embody obedience. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21, KJV). Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matthew 7:24, KJV). Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to promise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin (Faith and Works, p. 100, 1979). True faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption, for presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith (Faith and Works, p. 25, 1979). This balance fosters spiritual and physical health, aligning our lives with God’s purpose. Faith must inspire action, just as obedience must spring from trust in God’s promises. What example does Christ provide in integrating healing into this balance?

CHRIST’S HEALING HEROICS!

Matthew 9:35 illustrates Christ’s ministry: “Jesus went about all the cities…healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” He addressed both spiritual and physical needs. Sr. White states, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143). By meeting people where they are, He demonstrated holistic care. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people (Matthew 4:23, KJV). The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (Luke 4:18, KJV). Our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world as the unwearied servant of man’s necessity. He “took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses,” that He might minister to every need of humanity. Matthew 8:17. The burden of disease and wretchedness and sin He came to remove. It was His mission to bring to men complete restoration; He came to give them health and peace and perfection of character (The Ministry of Healing, p. 17, 1905). In the Saviour’s manner of healing there were lessons for His disciples. On one occasion He anointed the eyes of a blind man with clay, and bade him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam…. He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” John 9:7. The cure could be wrought only by the power of the Great Healer, yet Christ made use of the simple agencies of nature (The Ministry of Healing, p. 84, 1905). Today, we are called to follow His example through compassionate service, avoiding reliance on miraculous signs, as warned in Matthew 24:24. How does God continue this healing through natural avenues?

NATURE’S HEALING NEXUS!

Proverbs 3:5–6 advises, “Trust in the Lord…and he shall direct thy paths.” Sr. White notes, “God’s healing power runs all through nature” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 112). Natural processes, such as the body’s ability to heal, reflect God’s wisdom. “Our heavenly Father…desires that we shall cooperate with Him in keeping [our bodies] in health” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 127). Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones (Proverbs 17:22, KJV). Nature alone possesses restorative powers (Healthful Living, p. 224, 1897). Nature will want some assistance to bring things to their proper condition, which may be found in the simplest remedies, especially in the use of nature’s own furnished remedies—pure air, and with a precious knowledge of how to breathe; pure water, with a knowledge of how to apply it; plenty of sunlight in every room in the house if possible, and with an intelligent knowledge of what advantages are to be gained by its use (Medical Ministry, p. 223, 1932). Proper nutrition, exercise, and rest honor God’s design, blending practical action with faith in His guidance. In what ways does this healing reflect God’s profound love?

LOVE’S LUMINOUS LIGHT!

The interplay of faith, obedience, and healing reveals God’s love. Psalm 103:2–3 states, “Bless the Lord…Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases.” Sr. White affirms, “The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143). By addressing both spiritual and physical needs, God demonstrates compassionate care. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8, KJV). Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:16, KJV). In the ministry of healing the physician is to be a co-worker with Christ. The Saviour ministered to both the soul and the body. The gospel which He taught was a message of spiritual life and physical restoration (The Ministry of Healing, p. 111, 1905). God desires us to make use of every opportunity for securing a preparation for His work. He expects us to put all our energies into its performance and to keep our hearts alive to its sacredness and its fearful responsibilities (The Ministry of Healing, p. 498, 1905). His love calls us to mirror His actions, restoring and uplifting others. Through this reflection, we fulfill His command to love our neighbors. What responsibilities does this love impose toward God and others?

Ecclesiastes 12:13 sums up our duty: “Fear God, and keep his commandments.” Our obedience honors God and fosters transformation. Sr. White writes, “The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ…works transformation of character” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 451). Additionally, we are stewards of our bodies, as 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us: “Glorify God in your body.” Loving our neighbors is equally essential. Galatians 5:13 teaches, “By love serve one another.” Sr. White adds, “The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 115). My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee (Proverbs 3:1-2, KJV). And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men (Colossians 3:23, KJV). The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love—service that springs from an appreciation of His character (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34, 1890). Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. Luke 10:27. The divine law requires us to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. Without the exercise of this love, the highest profession of faith is mere hypocrisy (The Sanctified Life, p. 80, 1889). By meeting others’ needs, we reflect God’s character and advance His mission. How does this cycle of faith, obedience, and healing culminate in divine restoration?

FINAL FAITH FUSION!

Faith, obedience, and healing form a cycle of restoration, demonstrating God’s love and guiding us in service. By aligning our actions with His principles, we honor Him and uplift others. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments (1 John 2:3, KJV). If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love (John 15:10, KJV). Faith and works will keep us evenly balanced, and make us successful in the work of God (Faith and Works, p. 48, 1979). The grace of Christ in the soul is developing traits of character that are the opposite of selfishness—traits that will refine, ennoble, and enrich the life (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 226, 1913). This balance ensures spiritual and physical health, fulfilling our roles as instruments of His grace and compassion. Let us live in harmony with God.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of faith, obedience, and healing, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about faith, obedience, and healing in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of faith, obedience, and healing in daily life?